10 Awesome Tips for Fitting Exercise into A Busy Schedule

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Fitting time to exercise into a hectic schedule of work, famiy, and other pressing obligations can seem almost impossible. At times, it doesn't seem like there are enough hours in the day to finish that to-do list, let alone find the time for an intensive workout. Carving out time in your demanding routine to get some much-needed exercise is definitely hard, but it's far from impossible. Taking advantage of a few of these helpful tips will make all the difference when it comes to making lifestyle changes.

Commit to a Schedule

Making a comprehensive schedule for your day and sticking to it religiously is a great way to start a routine. If you decide that you want to start running before you make dinner every evening, commit and stick to it. Don't back out unless it's absolutely necessary and learn to adapt when the schedule changes slightly, soon you'll start finding it easier and easier to sneak that little bit of exercise into your routine.

Trying to fit in time to exercise on a whim during the day is a lot harder than getting it done first thing in the morning. Wake up 45 minutes earlier, get your allotted workout time in and go about your day as usual.

Work Out at Work

Use that hour long lunch break to your advantage, maybe take a short spin class or go for a brisk walk around the block. Doing things like avoiding elevators and getting out of your seat as much as possible also prove to be fantastic ways to get a little bit of exercise in throughout the day.

Take Advantage of Your Free Time

Try bringing exercise into your daily free time session, do a bit of yoga while you're watching your favorite show, jog while enjoying the latest episode of a podcast you love. Take advantage of the time you have instead of trying to create more.

If you live a reasonable distance from work or school, try changing up your commute. Instead of driving or taking the train, start riding your bike every morning. Not only does this count as a great workout, but you would be doing a lot to help the environment as well.

Turn Chores into Exercise

Turn mopping the kitchen into an active dance party, turn dusting shelves into squats. Yard work, vacuuming, walking the dog, all of these activities can easily turn into a great source of physical activity if you push a little bit harder.

Get Creative

Sometimes all you need is a little bit of creativity. Standing in a long line at the store? Try doing some calf raises or a few lunges. Add your baby to your strength training regimen, customize personal workouts that cater to your specific life and what tools you have available at the time.

Instead of viewing exercise as an option, start to view it as a priority. Something, like dinner or showering, that absolutely cannot be skipped. Changing the way you view exercising can greatly affect the way you go about making time for it.

Include the Entire Family

Go on long bike rides with the family a few times a week, utilize a local rec center for some water aerobics, do whatever you need to, to include the whole family in your exercise schedule. If your child is too young to walk or run, invest in a jogging stroller for nightly outings. Getting the entire family involved can serve as great motivation and bonding time.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

It is important to remember that quantity is not always king when it comes to workouts; if you really don't have an entire hour to devote to exercising every day try to do numerous intervals of intense 10-minute workouts. Doing something is always better than standing idle.